Bluff Strokes Art Center

06/17/2026

Working Artist Series: Art Critique is held once a month and is free to join! Registration is required and there are some specific guidelines of what to bring. Please refer to the Programming page of our website for details. Art critiques help artists understand how others are interpreting their work in a supportive environment. All conversation is respectful with the aim of helping the artist reach their artistic goals.

Audio by Jerry Saltz

06/17/2026

Erin Eitter Kono leads a discussion on how an artist’s choice of material can add layers of meaning into their work. Kono is an internationally exhibited artist whose work incorporates historically relevant materials, such as pigments sourced from Dubuque. Her paintings question familiar narratives and uncover the quieter, often overlooked stories embedded in material.

Talking about Art explores themes in the philosophy of art, art history, and more.

Feel free to bring your lunch or a snack. We will provide coffee and cookies!

Free-will donation, no registration necessary.

06/16/2026

Register for Intro to Soft Pastels! Learn the basics of soft pastels! No experience needed, and no commitment necessary. This is an opportunity for students to try something new with guidance.

July 16, 1-4PM
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner
$45, Materials are provided by the art center, so students don't need to bring anything but their curiosity and enthusiasm!

Register at the link below:
https://www.bluffstrokes.org/programming/intro-to-soft-pastels

06/16/2026

We are so excited to start Youth Summer Art Camp in a few weeks! Register for one or both weeks for a summer filled with exploration, art-making and fun! Seats are filling up fast.
Register on our programming page:
https://www.bluffstrokes.org/programming

06/16/2026

The Dubuque Rendezvous! planning committee is seeking volunteers for our events!

*** Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions OR sign up directly by visiting the following form:
https://forms.gle/RVqQQ9mZQ3H3P3sC6 ***

Duties may include greeting attendees, answering questions, assisting with artist and presenter check-in, supporting hospitality areas, providing general event information, and other tasks as needed throughout the event. Please note that setup and teardown shifts may involve physical tasks such as moving tables and chairs, setting up tents and canopies, bending, lifting, and other event preparation activities.

Volunteer shifts are currently scheduled in 1- to 2-hour blocks. If the available shift times do not fit your schedule, please complete the form as best you can and use the final question to share any additional availability or scheduling preferences. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Photo: Dale Easley

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Summer Home School Art Adventure begins on June 18! Miss Jess will introduce students to activities based in fundamental art skills and FUN! Join us for one or all three classes!

Register on our programming page:
https://www.bluffstrokes.org/programming

06/15/2026

Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. N**e models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.

Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
To register, please follow the link below:
https://www.bluffstrokes.org/programming/figure-drawing-c6fl3-x6rlc-mfsfg

06/14/2026

Sharpen your drawing skills this summer with three of our classes that focus on different drawing skills. Work through different methods in Drawing Exercises, create a detailed drawing over the course of three weeks in Developing a Finished Drawing and learn the basics of drawing architecture in Drawing Buildings: Interiors and Exteriors. Ages 14+ Some drawing experience will be helpful.

06/13/2026

Give oil painting a try! No experience needed and no commitment necessary. This is an opportunity for students to try something new with guidance from an experienced oil painter. Instructor Jessie Rebik will lead a one-day introduction to oil paint.

Materials are provided by the art center, so students don't need to bring anything but their curiosity and enthusiasm!

Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner

$45
Register at the link below:
https://www.bluffstrokes.org/programming/experience-oil-painting